Cubs Home Opener 2019: Schedule, Lineup, Where To Watch

CHICAGO — Cubs' fans have been counting down the days until this year's home opener — in fact, there's an official online countdown clock that includes the minutes (and seconds!) until the first pitch. The team will make their home debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on Monday, April 8.

The first homestand of the season includes a three-game series against the Pirates April 8, 10 and 11, followed by an Interleague matchup against the Los Angeles Angels April 12 through 14.

But let's not get ahead of things. As the baseball clubhouse cliche goes, you take one game at a time, and in this case, that one game is the home opener. Here's a look at everything you need to know before the game, whether you're heading out to the Friendly Confines or watching it on your TV or laptop (we promise we won't tell your boss).

SCHEDULE:

Gates for Monday's home opener will open at about 11:20 a.m., and the opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at about 12:45 p.m. The first 30,000 fans in the stadium will receive magnet schedules. Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, Lee Smith and Billy Williams will collectively throw the first pitch.

• First Pitch: 1:20 p.m. Monday, April 8. Wrigley Field gates open two hours before first pitch.
• TV | Radio | Streaming: ABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV) | 670 The Score | MLB.tv
• Probable Starting Pitchers: Jon Lester (1-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Jameson Taillon
• Lineup:

PARKING:

SpotHero and Other Options: Parking in Wrigleyville can be expensive and challenging to come by, especially during the Cubs' home opener. If you're willing to walk a few blocks, parking will be cheaper. The City of Chicago recommends booking a parking spot ahead of time with SpotHero, and getting to the spot early to avoid traffic jams. Or you can visit the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Wrigleyville Parking site for parking company phone numbers and locations.

Watch very closely for 'No Parking – permit only' signs: Residential Permit Parking — Zone 383 — will be strictly enforced. Permit Parking Zone 383 from Belmont to Irving and Broadway to Ashland is a tow zone from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for night games. Vehicles parked in violation of Residential Permit Parking regulations are subject to ticket and/or tow beginning at 5 p.m. for all night games.

Other Parking Reminders:

• it is illegal for any person or organization to offer for sale or acquire for the purpose of sale any residential parking permit or daily parking permit. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,500 and banned from residential daily parking permits.
• priority towing will take place in all special no parking areas (Clark, Addison, Eddy, etc.).
• vehicles in violation of parking regulations resulting in a public safety hazard, such as bus stops, no parking/tow zones, crosswalks, driveways, alleys, etc. are subject to immediate ticket and tow.
• The Cubs Hotline is operated an hour before until two hours after all baseball games. To report night game parking violations and other quality of life issues, call 866-427-3869.

Traffic "Slowdowns"

Addison between Racine and Halsted can be closed to vehicle traffic as a public safety measure before and/or after the game. The closing is at the discretion of the police and the city. Traffic will be rerouted north and south on Racine and Halsted.

Public Transportation

The Red Line stops next to Wrigley Field. If you're looking to avoid traffic near Wrigley, consider parking near an "L" stop and taking the train to the Addison stop. You can also use CTA bus routes No. 8 Halsted, No. 22 Clark or No. 152 Addison (connects to the Brown and Blue lines) to get to Wrigley Field.

NEW AT WRIGLEY:

There are some new perks at Wrigley this season that Cubs fans can look forward to: new upper level concourse, more food and drink options, new seating in the right and left Terrace Level, a more navigation-friendly seat renumbering system and expanded free Wi-Fi through Xfinity.

TICKETS:

A limited number of tickets remain available for the Cubs home opener. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.cubs.com or calling 800-THE-CUBS. Tickets will be delivered exclusively through the free MLB Ballpark app, which is a secure and convenient way to instantly access Cubs tickets. For more information about the MLB Ballpark app, click here.

The Cubs are bringing back the affordable ticket program 10/Sixty Tickets for its second year. 10/Sixty Tickets, named in honor of Wrigley Field's famed address: 1060 W. Addison St., offers 60 lower-level Terrace seats priced at $10 for all 2019 regular season home games. Fans can submit an online registration through MLB's Ballpark app or by visiting the Cubs website.

On April 13, the first 10,000 fans to set foot in Wrigley will receive Cubs and Star Wars blankets. Jon Favreau, writer of the upcoming Star Wars series “The Mandalorian,” will throw out the first pitch. Then on April 14, the first 10,000 fans will receive mini Wrigley Field statues in honor of Jackie Robinson.